Vacancies for postdoctoral researchers

The Software Modeling and Verification Group (MOVES, moves.rwth-aachen.de) at RWTH Aachen University offers openings for several postdoctoral researchers in the area of

   “Automated Analysis of Probabilistic Programs”
Deadline for application: August 15, 2013.
Starting dates: autumn 2013 and summer 2014.

With about 38,000 students, 480 professors as well as 4,500 academic staff, RWTH Aachen University (www.rwth-aachen.de) is one of the largest technical universities in Europe. Recently, it has again succeeded in the Excellence Initiative by the German federal and state governments, thus affirming its leading position within the German research landscape. The MOVES Group, led by Joost-Pieter Katoen, is part of the Faculty of Mathematics, Computer Science and Natural Sciences and consists of four professors and further 25 staff members. It is involved in several national and international projects in the area of formal methods for system design in a broad sense. Our research and teaching activities concentrate on modeling and verifying trustworthiness aspects (such as safety, reliability, performance and survivability) of software systems by applying mathematical theories and methods, such as process algebras, stochastic modeling and model checking.

We have a few vacancies for postdoctoral researchers in the new project on “Automated Analysis of Probabilistic Programs”.  The aim of this project is to push the limits of automation for analyzing probabilistic programs.  Such programs are pivotal in cryptography, privacy, and quantum computing.  Keywords of the research: loop invariant synthesis, program semantics, program analysis, termination analysis, infinite-state Markov decision processes, parameterized probabilistic models, program equivalence.

Required profile.
Candidates must hold a PhD in computer science or related field of mathematics. You have an outstanding publication record and a strong background in theory (e.g., model checking, formal semantics, automata theory, logic, probabilistic models). You should have interest in performing original, highly competitive scientific research, publishing the results in top conferences and scientific journals. Self-motivation and the ability to work both independently and as a team player in local and international research groups are expected. Fluency in English is required; proficiency in German is helpful but not compulsory.

What we offer.
The MOVES group offers a creative international environment, the possibility to participate in highly competitive research on a global scale and also the opportunity to involve students through their project work.  Postdoctoral researchers have a full status as employee with a salary according to the German civil service TV-L E13 scale, which corresponds to approx. 50,000 EUR gross income per year (incl. holiday allowance and end-of-year bonus) depending on your family situation.  The duration of the positions is two or three years depending on the starting date.  RWTH Aachen University offers excellent facilities for professional and personal development.  Starting date of the positions: as soon as possible after October 1, 2013, or alternatively around the summer of 2014.

How to apply.
Applications should include:
– a cover letter (explaining your specific research interests and qualifications);
– a detailed Curriculum Vitae including a list of publications
– a paragraph describing your PhD project
– contact details of (at least) two professors that can provide a recommendation for your application.
Please send your application ultimately by August 15 to the e-mail address mentioned below.

Further information.
Enquiries about the positions can be directed to:
Prof. dr. ir. Joost-Pieter Katoen (e-mail: katoen at cs.rwth-aachen.de)

RWTH Aachen University is committed to employment equity. We strongly encourage applications from qualified women and persons with disabilities.